The Centenary Season was memorable for many reasons, not least the brand of skilful, attacking, football we played. The title was destined for Celtic Park after a win at Ibrox, but Hearts at Tynecastle would be our first opportunity to officially become champions.
Two tickets were secured, but for the Hearts end, so title celebrations were planned without colours. We were in the ground early – the enclosure in front of the stand. As the place filled up there was the occasional Hearts scarf, but the majority were also without football colours. By kick off it was clear there were more Celtic than Hearts fans in the section. Both sets of supporters were free to express their feelings without any trouble.
The game was forgettable. Celtic, who had run teams ragged all season, were unable to craft a goal and left pointless. It was disappointing, but a week later, 63,000 (over) packed Celtic Park in the sunshine as the league was won in a more appropriate environment.
My preference would always be to win a title before our own season ticket holders at Celtic Park, but if we can’t do that, Tynecastle comes pretty close as an ideal alternate venue. Hearts fans sang “We’re only here for the party” when we lost the title seven years ago.
Let’s remind them who the champions are tomorrow, as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Albert Kidd title in 1986. Albert Kidd, a Celtic fan, was a Dundee player at the time. On the last day of the season he was on the bench against Hearts, who needed a point to win the title. They were 32 games unbeaten. Albert hadn’t scored a single goal all season.
He was introduced with 15 minutes remaining. Five minutes later he opened the scoring at a corner kick. He then scored the goal which inspired Diego Maradona to run through the England team and score at the World Cup a few months later. Diego’s goal was brilliant, but Albert’s was far more astonishing. It was utterly astonishing.
We did something to Hearts that season. They never recovered and never will. That 15-minute cameo from Albert, with Celtic’s five goal mauling of St Mirren, finished them.
The Celtic Foundation’s ‘Heroes of ’86 – 30 years on’ dinner takes place on Sunday. Albert Kidd is guest of honour, as are Celts from that team (not all of them!), including our captain, Paul McStay. I hear the Kidd family will be very well represented on the night. It should be something special.
Enjoy your weekend, especially if you’re going to Tynecastle, or the Foundation dinner. These moments are precious.
30 years later, I’m still astonished.
Charlie Gallagher, What a Player
Charlie Gallagher was at Celtic Park for over 10 years. Encompassing the 1960’s, his career was an eventful one, touching the depths of despair and the ultimate triumph. Slightly-built, he seemed to lack the necessary robustness. But appearances can be very deceptive. Behind the easy-going exterior lurked a tremendous football brain, with the ability to spray passed which fast-running forwards would relish.
Charlie starred in one of Celtic’s best performances in years as MTK Budapest were beaten 3-0 in the European Cup-Winners’ Cup semi-final at Celtic Park. When Jock Stein arrived in March 1965, Gallagher was given a settled role at inside-right. His play was quiet but effective and good enough for him to retain a place for the Scottish Cup final. Eight minutes remained when Charlie trotted over to take a corner kick on the left. It was like one of those Spot the Ball competitions in the newspapers where the entrant must place the ball in the exactly the right spot. In this case, the target was the moving one of Billy McNeil’s head… And Gallagher’s accuracy was to signal the return of the glory days to Celtic Park.
The next two seasons were to see Charlie in the role of valuable pool member, covering for injuries or being used as a surprise weapon. In the first league game of 1965-66 season at Tannadice, Charlie hit the bar in the first two minutes and rumour has it that the bar is shaking yet. And, of course, it was the action replay from him and McNeill which gave Celtic their narrow victory over Vojvodina Novi Sad in the European Cup quarter-final in 1967.
One day at Muirton Park, where Celtic won 6-1, there was a brilliant Freudian slip by an old-timer standing near me in the enclosure. One particulate long pass was greeted with a clap and a cry of “Well done, Patsy”, an understandable confusion with Charlie’s namesake of more than 40 years earlier.
CHARLIE GALLAGHER? WHAT A PLAYER! by David Potter is published today by CQN. You can order your SIGNED copy HERE.
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worth watching the third goal from Love Street and asking yourself, when was the last time you saw a Celtic team play football like that..?
Fan a tic,
For the little that it’s worth, I’d write the letter. Send it Registered and see what happens. If he doesn’t all he’ll read here will be reminders of the invitation to write a letter and ask to meet PL.
You never know, I’m an opTIMist, it might be a worthwhile meeting.
Offski
nothingventurednothinggainedCSC
Kevinjohn at 12.48,
I’ve nothing to do with any of the organising of the golf day although I am usually lucky enough to attend. But on seeing your post I’ve tried to contact someone in the know via the ole Facebook so hopefully you’ll get some sort of response soon.
GREENPINATA
I haven’t seen Tam for a few years, the last time was Dens Park I was with Eck Marr, Tam was his usual self.
From St John’s I only see Mike Kiernan (often) and Frank Mulholland occasionally.
If you know Eck Marr, he still travels through from Dundee for most home games and lurks here.
This time next year will we be talking about the Celtic manager like this
lovely wee vid
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vlldvs-8YGY
Traditionalist88
I dont see our club responding to internet conjecture.
Have they not stated as much?
Looks like Magners will be in the back of the strip next year with dafabet on the front
Blinking flip we will be like a F1 car. ☘☘;-)
“jumping the gun”, really, you’ll need to explain to me how buying two season books for 4years,while knowing cheating is going on, and Celtic staying silent is jumping the gun?. I can no more buy those season books this year than I could compel myself to jump in a fire!. I want my son and I to keep attending Celtic games, i’d love if I could ignore the cheating, pretend nothings happened, but alas I can’t. Absolutely laughable criticism of The Clumpany, what does he say that isn’t patently obvious?, it is WWE, and that’s why I won’t be spending another penny until we have real competition restored, or is that started.
overseasbhoy on 29th April 2016 12:58 pm
Thought Danny McGrain or Roy Aitken was captain in 86? maestro only became skipper early 90s
———————————
It was indeed one Daniel Fergus McGrain that was captain that fine day. Big Roy and the Maestro also played.
I have listed the club captains below since Cesar
Billy McNeill (1963-1975)
Kenny Dalglish (1975-1977)
Danny McGrain (1977-1987)
Roy Aitken (1987-1990)
Paul McStay (1990-1997)
Tom Boyd (1997-2002)
Paul Lambert (2002-2004)
Jackie McNamara (Jnr) (2004-2005)
Neil Lennon (2005-2007)
Stephen McManus (2007-2010)
Scott Brown (2010-Present)
Watch this space in the coming minths for something very special coming in this respect which has been 2 years in the making.
HH
CRC
Had some technical difficulty with the laptop,don’t know
what I did to lose internet access or what I did to get it back,
just fumbled about way the buttons……hey presto!!!
I’m all alone, no responsible adult’s or wean’s at hand and
the dug wasn’t much help,even managed to get my bookie
back on-line……don’t know if that’s a good thing.
BobbyBallCSC
Afternoon all fellow Hoops Supporters, Question..
I have major issues with much of what our current board are doing, or more to the point, what they are not doing.. (The Celtic way and statue to big Billy the exceptions).. Season Ticket renewals are due in anytime now… and Yes, I will renew (cos Celtic are my team) despite the silence coming from the Board Room on Res 12, the cheating by rangers and the administration of the SFA & SPFL.
As perhaps a minor protest, I wont renew till the last day of take up.. should those like me write to the Board, telling them the reason the wont be getting my money as early as usual, or is it all futile.
K T F, Hail Hail.
It’s nearly May and usually we’re bombarded with season ticket renewal prices and reasons to renew.
This year we have silence, I can’t think why.
blantyretim is praying for the Knox family on 29th April 2016 1:15 pm
Looks like Magners will be in the back of the strip next year with dafabet on the front
Blinking flip we will be like a F1 car. ☘☘;-)
===========================================
I’ll take us cruising like an F1 car as opposed to the current Wacky Races model…
crc
Wee Messi’s coming in as Captain, isn’t he?
SCOTS
I wish you would reconsider,mate. We will be Celtic supporters long after the charlatans in charge are gone.
Why allow them to dictate whether you turn up or not?
HH
Celticrollercoaster Supporting wee shay along the way
Oh good :-) publicity phasers set tae malky standby
:-)
HH
Article from Joe O’Rourke, Celtic Supporters Association.
My main concern as a Celtic Supporter at this time is to win the SPL Title; and to do so as quickly as possible; which means tomorrow at Tynecastle; or at worst next week at Celtic Park against Aberdeen.
We then need to focus on getting the best management team available to come in and get prepared for the Champions League qualifiers. I say that because no matter what else is going on around us; the football team has to come first.
I don’t know who will be the next Celtic Manager; but I do know that we cannot go with an apprentice; it has to be someone with experience at the top level; and preferably someone with a Celtic background. There will be more competition next season to win the League; we need to make sure that the winners are Glasgow Celtic.
There has been a lot of division amongst our support lately. Some of it because of team performance; and some of it because of external issues; like Resolution 12 and the SFA; and some of it also it has to be said because of the business model used by the club.
The statement released by MASH yesterday with regards to Dave King being regarded as Fit & Proper by the SFA was mind boggling to say the least; and goes to prove what we already knew; that there was a collusion between the SFA and Sevco.
I know for a fact that Celtic contacted the SFA and UEFA with regards to Resolution 12; I have seen the correspondence. But was that enough? Some supporters are saying more should have been done; and that Celtic should have made a public statement. I tend to agree that a statement should be made; and I believe it will be done in the next week or so.
The benefactors of any division in the Celtic Support are exactly the people who Resolution 12 is all about. We will never change anything while we continue to roll up at the dump of a stadium called Hampden; I will certainly not be going back there.
There are so many people now writing on social media with regards to all things Celtic; quite a few of them are negative all the time. I go to the game every week with the same people I have done so with for many years; I also meet many people at every away game; I respect their opinions; some of people writing don’t go to the game at all but have strong opinions on how Celtic should be ran; they are still entitled to an opinion; I just might not agree with that opinion.
Finally; while I think King should never have been allowed anywhere near a football boardroom; I would rather have him in charge of Sevco than a man with genuine wealth like Mike Ashley.
The future of Celtic Football Club should be determined by Celtic Minded people. We need more than ever to stick together and forge another chapter in our proud unbroken history. This has not been a great season; but we have suffered much worse seasons. Onwards and Upwards.
Andyr53
I think you should ask yourself, ‘what am I buying a ticket for? Is it to see a genuinely sporting contest?’
Unless you have an adequate answer to that, by renewing, you’ll simply be putting your money towards a pig in a poke …
VIP
Agree with everything Joe says.
Traditionalist tell you what. If Paul or winnings write to me and can arrange me to talk to Lawwell I would do so gladly (I have one or two things I would like to say to him). They both have my email address.
As for organising a protest I would gladly join a protest. Could I organise it. I dunno. Who is up for it? I think it might all be too late because this board have taken our soul.
Radio silence again Paul eh. I’m sure it make you proud.
The fact the renewals haven’t landed on our doormat’s
yet say’s a lot,the board know we’re pissed off.
LIONROARS67 on 29TH APRIL 2016 1:10 PM
Terrific vid.
And I`ve been saying nice guys come last.
:-(
MACJAY
Very good…
NEGANON2
I don’t understand how you can put up the the amount of pain you suffer whilst on the blog.
Why don’t you go and do one ya prick!
How we win that league with Aberdeen having all those great players, and Bain let’s in 56 goals, Gordon 26, Bain top goalie, go figure eh?
Scottish Premiership Team of Year: Bain; Logan, Ozturk, Davies, Tierney; Hayes, Shinnie, McLean; Hemmings Stewart, Griffiths
Philbhoy and excellent and considered approach. Well done.
Oh and no surprises here eh, peps boys run away with it.
Scottish Premiership Team of Year: Bain; Logan, Ozturk, Davies, Tierney; Hayes, Shinnie, McLean; Hemmings Stewart, Griffiths
Afternoon Timland from a warm hun free mountain valley.
So what if a few are asking others to boycott the club, I very much doubt anyone will pay attention to them unless they are that way inclined, why should it bother posters what other posters say or think.
I disagree with many on here, like many will disagree with me, we will not change each others mind, yet we have posters spending much time trying to get the likes of Neg and KevJ to stop posting what they don’t agree with.
Sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind.
NEGANON
I disagree that this board have taken our soul.
Sure,they have taken our money,taken our hopes and aspirations. But who is being found out here?
The ordinary Celtic fan? No,not at all. We are what we always have been. Diehards to a man,supportive to the last.
But far from styoooopit.
Aye,they’ve taken our money. But-soul?
No.
They are the ones who need worry about their soul,bud. Sold it for buttons.
Oops wrong team
Scottish Championship team of the year: Rogers, Tavernier, McGregor, Grant, Wallace, Holt, McGinn, McKay, Baird, Waghorn, Cummings
Jungle VIP..
Cheers mhate… I see what real supporters are doing to get answers and clarity, and its proving Mission Impossible.. I support Celtic for the things they have given me, for the memories, for the generosity of the Foundation, for the comraderie and genuine decency of fellow supporters… Its been said before, we’ll be here long after they are gone.. but that doesn’t stop me from a feeling of betrayal at this present board.
H H.
benjybhoy mul
have you had a pint in the rowan tree??
Having read Joe,s article it just leaves me feeling sad. As a rallying cry it has all the hallmarks of no change. Rally around what? Celtic’s board? Corruption? Cheating? Mismanagement?criminalisation? Big peters bonus? Racism? Downsizing? The big lie? Being called paranoid?
It is a call for unity but not change. Without change there can be no unity.
TD67
Two Celtic players?
Fuxake…
ITALIABHOY on 29TH APRIL 2016 1:08 PM
worth watching the third goal from Love Street and asking yourself, when was the last time you saw a Celtic team play football like that..?
————————————————
Gonna stick ma neck out here – was it 1986?
;-)
Bobby whether we like it or not Celtic is being used now to further cheating and corruption. No amount of hand wringing will stop that. Only forcing change will stop it. I have to say I am surprised and dissappoimted that Celtic support seems to has lost its passion for the truth.
Sad.
BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS on 29TH APRIL 2016 1:49 PM
TD67
Two Celtic players?
Fuxake…
Rumour has it that it was the CQN posters who picked the team :))